When she returns on Friday, November 16, she hopes it is as gorgeous and welcoming as it was the last time.

“I loved it there with that little theatre, I’ve been asking to come back ever since – it’s a great town,” she said.

“I’ve been touring for 20 years and I love it but some places just stick in your head and Castlemaine is one of them for me.

“The people make a town and I met some absolutely memorable characters in Castlemaine.”

Cole is touring while promoting her album Songs and Pictures, which was released last year and has just been nominated for an ARIA award.

Cole won a Golden Guitar for female artist of the year while her single, Waitress was nominated for the APRA song of the year award.

“To win a couple of awards is really surprising,” she said. 

“I haven’t been nominated for an ARIA for over a decade, so it’s an incredible feeling.”

Cole worked hard on this album to make something that was for her and not a record that goes through the motions.

“I feel like I broke a few rules, which is cool,” she said. “I used a new producer and recorded with the road band instead of studio musicians.”

Rather than be directed, Cole made the album herself and presented it to record companies.

“Without a doubt, to not be controlled by other powers and be nominated is very special,” she said.

“I tended to go through motions (with other albums) and do what people expected. I did what I expected of myself. It’s so satisfying.”